Eating on the run, that I'm very familiar with! I used to hold a job that was theoretically office-bound but had me running from one end of the city to the other almost 4 out of 5 days in a week. In that period of my life, I was hardly aware of what I ate for lunch. It was either I unconsciously skipped eating or I had to get something from any store or restaurant in sight, fast food, more often than not. In my attempt to be efficient at work, it a losing fight against unhealthy eating. There didn't seem to be a middle way. Now, from the Arizona Republic, Erica Sagon writes about how the need for convenience and healthier meals on-the-go has probably given rise to "fast-casual" restaurants which fill the need "between fast-food places and full-service restaurants in terms of quality, price, service and atmosphere".

"Another feature typical of fast-casual outlets is entertainment value, as many have employees prepare meals in a display kitchen while the customer is watching, and the decor and atmosphere are often trendy and incorporate original art and the restaurant's mission and philosophy," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president for research with the National Restaurant Association.

Food industry analysts say these fast-casual eateries are growing so fast they're expected to come up with $511.1 billion in sales these year. Something to look at seriously, I see. Good food and a source of income for many people - I'll shake my fork to that!

[News source and photo from azcentral.com Diners' convenience higher on menu]